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NHL Draft - ProspectsDiscuss hockey prospects from all over the world and the NHL Draft.

Stay tuned as the rest of the rankings are rolled out.
Note: These are separate from THW's exclusive The Next Ones rankings; simply providing additional and unique insight on this intriguing draft class.

No Nichushkin even in the top30? It's a big mistake, i think.
He's much better prospect than Zykov for example.
P.S. Zadorov, not Zadarov

U are probably correct; however, Zykov hasn't signed a 3 year in Russia and is playing in North America. I have Nichushkin in 31 to 40 because I don't believe most teams will touch him in round 1; I could be wrong; we'll just have to see how it plays out.

U are probably correct; however, Zykov hasn't signed a 3 year in Russia and is playing in North America. I have Nichushkin in 31 to 40 because I don't believe most teams will touch him in round 1; I could be wrong; we'll just have to see how it plays out.

I believe they will. He is just too skilled and too big to be passed up. For me, the main question is, will he be picked in the top 15? I can see him dropping but not out the top 30. Just my two cents, based on viewing from the SS and last years WJC U18.

If this is a mock draft, leaving Nichushkin out might have some validity.

If we are simply ranking the best draft eligible players for 2013, Nichushkin shouldn't be any lower than 15 and realistically should be top 10.

I never rank goalies above where I believe they will be drafted - hence all 2nd round due to the glut of goalies at the moment; similarly I rarely rank Russian stay-at-homes as 1st round. Most rankings for Nichushkin are in the 10 to 20 range for now.

I never rank goalies above where I believe they will be drafted - hence all 2nd round due to the glut of goalies at the moment; similarly I rarely rank Russian stay-at-homes as 1st round. Most rankings for Nichushkin are in the 10 to 20 range for now.

Nichushkin has talked about the fact that he was going to sign in Canada. I would take that as the fact that he wants to be in North America, but felt the KHL was better for his development.

I also believe during the SSS he mentioned how he loves North American ice. "Here everything is faster. Pro players play smart, they don't run around too much. Besides, the rinks are smaller and that also speeds the game up. I like small rinks, though. I always play well on them." I think is what he said

Nichushkin has talked about the fact that he was going to sign in Canada. I would take that as the fact that he wants to be in North America, but felt the KHL was better for his development.

I also believe during the SSS he mentioned how he loves North American ice. "Here everything is faster. Pro players play smart, they don't run around too much. Besides, the rinks are smaller and that also speeds the game up. I like small rinks, though. I always play well on them." I think is what he said

Yes, I read that article too. Read another which said he also only thinking about playing in Russia for now. We likely will have to wait for the Combine to get a somewhat definitive answer unless something comes out of the U20's. Anton Slepyshev who I had as second rounder last year didn't show up for the Combine and consequently didn't get drafted.

Barkov should be higher than 5. Yes Drouin and Monahan are scoring at excellent rates but they're doing so in junior hockey. Barkov is lighting it up in a pro league at age 17, he's tall as hell, he's big, and he's a great forechecker.

Barkov should be higher than 5. Yes Drouin and Monahan are scoring at excellent rates but they're doing so in junior hockey. Barkov is lighting it up in a pro league at age 17, he's tall as hell, he's big, and he's a great forechecker.

At this point yes, but if he maintains his current level of play in the FEL and if he comes up big at WJC for Finland he should absolutely start getting more 1st overall discussion.

I mean...Forsberg got third overall consideration (some were even saying Columbus should take him second overall instead of Murray) with pretty modest numbers in a B-tier pro league, Barkov is putting up enormous numbers in one of the top leagues in europe as a 17 year old.

not trying to derail a thread, but when I saw Mackinnon listed as a generational talent...I kind of had to disagree. Very very talented player, but are we sure he is on the level of a generational player?

especially considering a number of services have Jones ranked ahead of him...

not trying to derail a thread, but when I saw Mackinnon listed as a generational talent...I kind of had to disagree. Very very talented player, but are we sure he is on the level of a generational player?

especially considering a number of services have Jones ranked ahead of him...

He has the drive behind the talent to be one; he also is able to elevate his game for the key moments in a game or tournament and he seems to learn from any performances which do not meet his level of expectation. That said, whether he is or not, we shall just have to wait and see; I am betting yes.

He has the drive behind the talent to be one; he also is able to elevate his game for the key moments in a game or tournament and he seems to learn from any performances which do not meet his level of expectation. That said, whether he is or not, we shall just have to wait and see; I am betting yes.

Barkov should be higher than 5. Yes Drouin and Monahan are scoring at excellent rates but they're doing so in junior hockey. Barkov is lighting it up in a pro league at age 17, he's tall as hell, he's big, and he's a great forechecker.